Preterm PCV13 Response Improves After Toddler Dose

Local reactions were similar across both infant groups and decreased with each subsequent dose. Decreased appetite, irritability, or decreased sleep occurred slightly more often among preterm infants than among term infants. Most reactions were mild or moderate, with fewer than 10% overall experiencing a severe reaction and only one (term) infant experiencing a fever above 40ºC following the toddler dose. One preterm infant also experienced a vaccine-related rash. Overall, 14% preterm infant and 5% of term infants experienced serious adverse events, primarily infections, not necessarily vaccine-related.

The study was funded by Pfizer. Dr. Martinón-Torres and several other investigators reported ties to GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi Pasteur MSD, Sanofi Pasteur, Pfizer/Wyeth, Novartis, MedImmune, and/or Baxter. The remaining investigators, except for Dr. Concheiro-Guisán who reported no disclosures, are Pfizer employees and stockholders.